The area that I chose to write about is East Asia and the Pacific. "Violence against children – “encompassing physical or mental violence, injury and abuse,
neglect or negligent treatment, and maltreatment or exploitation, including sexual abuse”–
is prevalent in all societies (UN CRC, 1989; Gilbert et al., 2009; Krug et al., 2002; Pinheiro,
2006). Meta-analyses of estimates show that violence against children is widespread across the
region, with 17-35% prevalence for both boys and girls in low and lower middle income
countries and lower prevalence rates (1-13%) in upper middle and high-income countries.
Fairly consistent findings across the region highlight that nearly three out of every four
children experience violent discipline." ( http://www.unicef.org/infobycountry/).This is really sad, these children have to constantly struggle everyday to survive. The abuse is having a very bad effect on the mental and physical health of these children, they are struggling with drug and alcohol abuse, as well as smoking at a young age. All of this can have a detrimental effect on their long term health and well being, they can have problems that can range from cancer to Hepatitis to AIDS to depression all because of continual use of drugs and alcohol at such a young age.
The situation with these kids sadden me deeply. I would like very much like to help these kids and do something to change the situation that they are faced with. Children deserve to be able to play, laugh and learn and these kids are not able to do that because they are constantly fighting everyday to survive instead of being children and leading a normal life.
East Africa and the Pacific retrieved on October 18, 2014 from http://www.unicef.org/infobycountry/.
Having seen pictures of young children smoking and having to "grow up" beyond their years is disheartening. It is also devastating to know that this will be a cycle that is difficult to break as their children will grow up to do the same kinds of things. Therefore, education is extremely important to break the mould. How would you suggest doing so?
ReplyDeleteIt breaks my heart every time I hear about a avoidable crisis that is affecting our young ones. The reason I say avoidable is because we need to be building treatment centers not jails. Addictions have been around since humanity has existed yet we fail to treat them. Education is key to help resolve some of this chaos. However, Asia is a leading manufacture of all things addictive and that needs to be addressed if we want a chance at some success.
ReplyDeleteDear Joanne,
ReplyDeleteI chose the area the same as yours. It was very sad to learn that there are so many children under all kinds violence in the area. I wish all children's right will meet one day in the future. I wish all children could be in school.